African Society Garlic
African Society Garlic is a gorgeous and delicious herbaceous perennial from the grasslands of eastern South Africa. Not a true Allium like onions and garlic, African Society Garlic is in the genus Tulbaghia, though is in the same family as onions and garlic. It gets its name society garlic for its intense garlic taste but without the lingering garlic breath. The purple flowers and leaves are typically whats eaten and the plant is also quite ornamental in the flowering border or veggie garden. Only hardy to 25 degrees F. so be sure to protect it or bring it inside if growing it below USDA Zone 9.
Latin Name: Tulbaghia violacea
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to about 25 F.
Bearing Age: Immediately!
Size at Maturity: 1 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: spring through summer
Yield: Many leaves and flowers
Pests & Diseases: None that we’ve seen
USDA Zone: 9